Friday, November 25, 2005

Flippin' the Bird

The ex-patriots of Sydney made a 'pilgrimage' to the Eastern Suburbs last night and had a good old fashioned face-stuffing, worthy of the true American standard. Oh, that sweet, sweet inebriation of tryptophan circulating through the blood made all those gastronomical inhibitions disappear. After my third trip through the buffet line, I looked through eyes that could barely focus, out across the scattered remains of the dinner table and said while slowly nodding, 'This. Was good'.

We represented our small culinary cult in Bronte, having to wait until the sun went down to worship the Gods of Turkey in hiding. No, the light of day was not to see this pagan festival take place under Australian soil, as it was forbidden in this land down under. The Thursday was a work day like any other to the sun-baked masses. Toil as we must (those of us whom are employed) during the afternoon, anxiously waiting for the whistle to blow. Yet, under the cover of darkness, the followers of Gobble Gobble lurked with wine in tow, assembling at a previously un-disclosed location.

A dozen people attended in all, eleven hailing from the state of Kalee-forn-ee-ah, with one the exception being from Indiana. Instead of talking trash about politics, as usually happens during family meals, we talked trash about the Aussies. An endearing kind of amusement more than negativity, but in a gossipy tone nonetheless. I felt as if the neighbor was going to bust through the door with the immigration authorities and take us all away for such slander.

My co-advisor from school, Andy, had the dubious honor of competing in a biathlon within the same time period that the rest of the guests were eating their first helping. Having jetted directly from the finish line to our place, he certianly had energy to spare as the rest of us were starting to drift into our happy place due to lack of oxygen from the belt-line down.

Peggy and Chana outdid themselves yet again, with the Sausage Stuffing being dubbed the 'widow-maker' for the amount of glutton it encouraged. Frank did a great job of carving the already pieced-up turkey parts, seamlessly presenting the bird. I just milled about aimlessly, waiting to be fed. The cranberry sauce brought in from customs were a delicacy unseen here on Australian soil, making that tangy tart taste all the much sweeter. Chocolate Pecan and Pumpkin Pie, rounded off the night with the comforting tastes of home.

After decorating the place with the contents of the care package to end all care packages, it truly looked as if Fall had fell here in Sydney. Autumn leaves, bales of straw, scarecrows and more gourds than one could possibly squash in a single day adjourned our humble abode. We were truly thankful for the opportunity to be able to put this holiday together, knowing the reward came through all the effort involved in making it seem special. (Sniff)

posted by ncawthon at 5:32 PM